EARTH is set for a view of a lifetime later this month as five planets of the solar system align.
The rare cosmic sight is happening next week – so keep your eyes peeled.
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Those lucky enough to see the display will spot Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars and Venus all line up in a small part of the sky shortly after sunset on March 28.
This visual phenomenon differs to an astronomical alignment, which is when planets gather simultaneously on the same side of the sun.
Last year, stargazers in the northern hemisphere were able to witness Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn all at once.
How to spot
Spotting five planets at the same time on March 28 may be difficult and will greatly depend on a person’s location.
Those hoping to see the display will only be able to do so if they have a clear sky and a nearly flat western horizon.
It’s key to make sure the sky is free of obstructions like trees or buildings.
Stargazers have been advised to use binoculars.
However, specialist equipment may be needed to spot Uranus.
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To help identify the planets, experts have recommended using the app Sky Tonight.
The app can be pointed at any area of the night sky to give a live display of what is going on up there – even if it’s daylight.
Stargazers mustn’t be too disappointed if they don’t witness the display this time around.
That’s because there are a number of other planetary alignments that are expected to take place this year.
The next one is forecast to arrive as soon as April 24, where a 40-degree sector will take place seeing Mars, Venus, Uranus and Mercury come together.
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